There are four people dying every day from COVID-19 in Tanai, Kachin State, according to a volunteer, who explained about 70 people have perished from the disease in the town in Myitkyina District since the end of July.
”No one trusts the military regime, so they stay in their homes even though they’re sick,” said a volunteer from the team, explaining that although it seems they have COVID-19 no one can prove why they died because they aren’t getting medical care.
The source said 3 people died in Tanai within 24 hours on Wednesday, August 18, estimating that at least half of the town’s population is infected. Of the eight districts in Tanai Township, most deaths have occurred in Sam Sa. Additionally, volunteer health teams said there are many transmissions occuring in Bwe Yang sub township.
Although there are three quarantine centres in downtown Tanai, the township’s administration doesn’t enforce the health regulations set by the junta’s Ministry of Health and Sports.
In the last week of July, the Kachin Independence Organisation ordered residents in its controlled area not to gather, including for celebrations or sports. The armed ethnic organisation also closed schools and markets until the outbreak ran its course.
